Baby Washing System &amp; Method of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

A new baby washing system &amp; method of use thereof that generally comprises a main baby wash basin, a water pump device, a multitude of primary and secondary hoses, a multitude of hose fastening and retention clips and a multitude of optional hose tip spray attachments which combine to create the new and novel baby washing system disclosed herein which will allow warm water to be distributed onto the body of the baby during the washing process and thereby preventing the baby from becoming cold while also help entertain and occupy the baby during the washing process.

This application claims the prior filing benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/967,570 filed on Sep. 6, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of devices for baby washing systems. Moreover it pertains specifically to a baby washing system & method of use thereof that will keep a baby warm at all times during the washing process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the limitations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and useful baby washing system & method of use thereof, which is simpler in operation, more universally usable and more versatile in application than known device of this kind.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new baby washing system that will allow warm water to be distributed onto the body of the baby during the washing process and thereby preventing the baby from becoming cold. It is also a purpose of the present invention to provide a new Baby Washing System & Method of Use Thereof that has many novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus that result in a new Baby Washing System & Method of Use Thereof which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested, either directly or indirectly by any of the prior art apparatus.

PRIOR ART

Prior baby washing systems commonly comprise a tub basin or reservoir wherein water is placed and in which the baby is placed for washing. These devices are offered in a variety of shapes ranging from vertical cylinders such as that found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,065 which discloses a vertical tube shaped tub which allows a baby to stand up during washing, to elongated oval and rectangular shaped basins, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,216,552, and RE37,481 which are placed in a resting position on a stable flat surface such as the sink or counter top, and in which the baby is placed for washing. The primary deficiency of the prior art devices in this field pertains to keeping the surface area of the babies skin warm during the washing process. The present invention disclosed herein will solve this problem by keeping the surface area of the babies skin continuously covered in warm water throughout the washing process. This is accomplished by means of continually pumping warm water through multiple water distribution hoses that act to distribute the water over one or more regions of the baby's skin throughout the entire washing process and thereby preventing the baby's skin from being exposed to the cold air. This will not only provide the baby with a source of entertainment, it will also result in a baby that is much more comfortable and content during the washing process, creating a good experience for both parent and child.

The present invention in the first embodiment generally comprises a main baby wash basin, a water pump device, a multitude of primary and secondary hoses, a multitude of hose fastening and retention clips and a multitude of optional hose tip spray attachments which combine to create the new and novel baby washing system disclosed herein. The main baby wash basin contains a main bathing reservoir which is capable of retaining a volume of water, and wherein a baby is placed face up so as to be in a slightly reclined laying position. The back rest is slightly curved so as to conform to the natural curve of the baby's body, but may also be presented in a variety of sizes and or shapes including oval, rectangular, circular, square, as well as other shapes not referred to herein that will perform the same function of comfortably supporting the baby during the wash process, and are therefore to be considered as apparent an obvious to the disclosure contained herein.

It is to be understood that the present invention may be offered in two distinct embodiments that each address unique user application needs while performing the intended purpose and function disclosed herein.

The first embodiment comprises a spray system that is built into the main baby wash basin wherein the water pumps, hoses, and hose spray tips are integral components of the main wash basin and are housed, enclosed, or otherwise fixably attached to the main wash basin body. In this embodiment, the water pump devices are housed or stored in a pump housing enclosure so as to dispose the water intake opening of the water pump device below the lowermost point of the main wash basin drain, thereby ensuring that water will be drawn from the main wash basin from the lowest possible point. The wash basin main water containing reservoir contains a drain opening disposed at the lowermost region of the wash basin wherein the water is allowed to flow from the main water containing reservoir into the water pump housing enclosure, thereby creating a continual flow of water from the main wash basin, through the water pump and hose system, and out into the main wash basin. Each one of the water distribution primary hoses is attached to, and extends from, the water pump device to the location on the wash basin where the water is to be released. The water is drawn into the pump and forced through the secondary hoses, out the spray tips, and onto the baby's body.

An alternate embodiment of this version of the invention will allow for the pump enclosure housing to also serve as a clean water container that can be filled with a water supply source that is separate from the water in the main baby wash basin. There may be a need or desire to keep the water that is pumped out onto the baby, clean and free of the contaminates that are washed or rinsed into the water during the wash process, such as dirt, soaps, conditioners, etc., that would otherwise be contained within the water stored in the main baby wash basin and then pumped back out onto the baby during the wash process. While one possible embodiment of this water separation feature is illustrated herein, it should be understood that there exist several ways to embody this feature of the invention while performing the intended purpose and function disclosed herein.

The second embodiment of the present invention comprises a water pump and distribution system that can be attached to a wide variety of baby wash basin devices or wash seat devices as an aftermarket product that will act to distribute warm water over the surface of the baby's skin during the wash process in the same manner as the first embodiment disclosed above. This embodiment of the invention will allow a user to attach the primary hoses to a baby wash basin or baby wash seat by means of hose fastening clips or clamps that may fixably or removably attach to the wash basin or wash seat device using fasteners such as screws, or by pressure fasteners such as clips or clamps that can be easily removed from the basin or seat after use. In this second embodiment, water spray attachment tips of varying style, design, shape, and or size can be attached to the secondary hose end which is opposing the primary hose attachment end, and which is positioned in close proximity to the baby's body so as to more easily distribute the water over the baby's body. It is to be understood that the secondary hoses may be embodied as either flexible or rigid water distribution hoses of varying length, size, or style. The spray tips may be attached in a variety of ways including by inserting a portion of the spray tip, such as a post end, into the secondary hose end and thereby utilizing the pressure applied by the secondary hose to secure the tip in place. In this embodiment, the pump device can be simply placed into a container or vessel containing warm water to thereby supply the water to be distributed over the baby's body.

The water pump component of the present invention can be powered by means of standard electrical plug in connection and or by battery power.

This embodiment is portable and can be attached to any number or types of baby wash basins or wash seats that may be placed in a bath tub or sink during use, which allows for the pump device to be placed in the water collected in the tub or sink during use. It is to be understood that both embodiments of the invention disclosed above, the first with the integral components built in to create a single self contained unit, and the second with the pump, hoses, clips, and spray tips as separate portable components, each perform the intended purpose and function of the invention, which is to provide a continual flow of warm water over the baby's body. This invention may be used with or attached to a wide variety of baby washing products currently available on the market as either a built in, integral component of the product, or as an after market system that is adjustable in various aspects including hose length and placement, attachment or clip quantity and location, as well as pump quantity and positioning

It is to be understood that the spray tips may be manufactured with a variety of openings to provide a wide range of spray patterns including, mist, dribble, drops, stream, as well as other spray patterns not referred to herein which are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.

Other variations or embodiments of the invention may be produced which perform the same purpose and function disclosed herein and are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure. The components disclosed herein as part of the invention are to be manufactured using a variety of methods and from a variety of materials. The hoses are to be made from a flexible plastic or similar suitable material, the spray tips can be made of either a hard or soft plastic depending on the application and use, with the hard plastic being used for fixed spray patterns

The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the intended use and application of the invention. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly several advantages and objects of the present invention are:

A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that will overcome the deficiencies of the prior art devices.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that will allow a baby to be continually showered with warm water during the washing process.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that will keep a baby entertained during the washing process.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that utilizes a water pump device and one or a multitude of hoses to provide continual streams or flows of water that are pumped through the network of hoses and onto the baby's body.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that can be powered by means of standard electrical plug in connection and or by battery power.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that can be offered in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit a user's preference or need.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that can have an integral built in water pumping system wherein the pump and tubing or hose system is contained within the body of the wash basin.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that can be embodied as a stand alone pump and hose system that can be attached to a wide variety of baby washing products in a detachable manner by means of hose clips.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System that can be used when washing baby's either in a sink or in a bath tub setting.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a Baby Washing System which is more versatile and compact than prior art devices.

It is intended that any other advantages and objectives of the present invention that become apparent or obvious from the detailed description or illustrations contained herein are within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a side section view of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the invention embodied as a built in component of a baby washing basin(111) having enclosed pump device(112), primary hoses(113) and secondary hoses(121) and further comprising a water drain opening(117) which allows the water to pass from the main water containing reservoir(116) into the water pump housing enclosure(115).

FIG. 2. is another side section view of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the invention embodied as a built in component of a baby washing basin(111) having enclosed pump device(112), primary hoses(113) and secondary hoses(121) and further comprising a water drain opening(117) which allows the water to pass from the main water containing reservoir(116) into the water pump housing enclosure(115), showing the secondary hoses(121) in alternate positions.

FIG. 3. is still another side section view of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the invention embodied as a built in component of a baby washing basin(111) having enclosed pump device(112), primary hoses(113) and secondary hoses(121), showing the water pump device(112) and water pump enclosure in an alternate position.

FIG. 4. is a plan view of a baby washing system according to the present invention.

Illustrating the invention embodied as a separate component which is ready to be attached to a baby washing basin(111) having exposed pump device(112), primary hoses(113) and secondary hoses(121).

FIG. 5. is another plan view of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the invention embodied as a separate component having exposed pump device(112), primary hoses(113) and secondary hoses(121).

FIG. 6. is another plan view of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the invention embodied as a separate component having exposed pump device(112), primary hoses(113) and secondary hoses(121), further showing two variations of the secondary hoses(121), as well as an alternate method of connecting the primary hoses(113) together.

FIG. 7. is a side view of a secondary hose component of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the secondary hose(121), and one embodiment of a spray tip(114) and one possible spray pattern produced.

FIG. 8. is another side view of a secondary hose component of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the secondary hose(121), and one embodiment of a spray tip(114) and one possible spray pattern produced.

FIG. 9. is another side view of a secondary hose component of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the secondary hose(121), and one embodiment of a spray tip(114) and one possible spray pattern produced.

FIG. 10. is another side view of a secondary hose component of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the secondary hose(121), and one embodiment of a spray tip(114) and one possible spray pattern produced.

FIG. 11. is another side view of a secondary hose component of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating a rigid secondary hose(121) attached to the primary hoses(113), and also showing one possible spray pattern.

FIG. 12. is another side view of a secondary hose component of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating a rigid secondary hose(121) attached to the primary hoses(113), and also showing yet another possible spray pattern.

FIG. 13. is a photo of an alternate embodiment of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the primary hoses(113) attached to the baby wash seat(111) by means of zip ties(120), also showing rigid secondary hoses(121) attached to the primary hoses(113).

FIG. 14. is another photo of an alternate embodiment of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the primary hoses(113) attached to the baby wash seat(111) by means of zip ties(120), also showing rigid secondary hoses(121) attached to the primary hoses(113).

FIG. 15. is another photo of an alternate embodiment of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the primary hoses(113) attached to the baby wash seat(111) by means of zip ties(120), showing the baby wash seat(111) in the folded position illustrating the flexible nature of the invention.

FIG. 16. is another photo of an alternate embodiment of a baby washing system according to the present invention. Illustrating the primary hoses(113) attached to the baby wash seat(111) by means of zip ties(120), also showing rigid secondary hoses(121) attached to the primary hoses(113).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in the first embodiment generally comprises a main baby wash basin(111), a water pump device(112), a multitude of hoses(113), a multitude of hose fastening and retention clips(120) and a multitude of optional hose tip spray attachments(114) which combine to create the new and novel baby washing system(110) disclosed herein. The main baby wash basin(111) contains a main bathing reservoir(116) which is capable of retaining a volume of water, and wherein a baby is placed face up so as to be in a slightly reclined laying position. The back rest is slightly curved so as to conform to the natural curve of the baby's body, but may also be presented in a wide variety of other shapes or contours.

The first embodiment of the invention(110) comprises a spray system that is built into the main baby wash basin(111) wherein the water pumps(112), hoses(113), and hose spray tips(114) are integral components of the main wash basin(111) and are housed, enclosed, or otherwise fixably attached to the main wash basin body(111). In this embodiment, the water pump devices(112) are housed or stored in a pump housing enclosure(115) so as to dispose the water intake opening of the water pump device(112) below the lowermost point of the main wash basin drain, thereby ensuring that water will be drawn from the main wash basin(111) from the lowest possible point. The wash basin main water containing reservoir(116) contains a drain opening(117) disposed at the lowermost region of the wash basin(111) wherein the water is allowed to flow from the main water containing reservoir(116) into the water pump housing enclosure(115), thereby creating a continual flow of water from the main wash basin, through the water pump(112) and hose system(113), and out into the main wash basin(111). Each one of the water distribution primary hoses(113) is attached to, and extends from, the water pump device(112) to the location on the wash basin where the water is to be released. The water is drawn into the pump and forced through the secondary hoses(121), out the spray tips(114), and onto the baby's body.

The second embodiment of the present invention comprises a water pump(112) and water distribution hose system(113)(121) that can be attached to a wide variety of baby wash basin devices or wash seat devices as an aftermarket product that will act to distribute warm water over the surface of the baby's skin during the wash process in the same manner as the first embodiment disclosed above. This embodiment of the invention will allow a user to attach the hoses(113)(121) to a baby wash basin(111) or baby wash seat by means of hose fastening clips(120) or clamps that may fixably or removably attach to the wash basin(111) or wash seat device using fasteners such as screws, or by pressure fasteners such as clips or clamps that can be easily removed from the basin or seat after use.

In this second embodiment, water spray attachment tips(114) of varying style, design, shape, and or size can be attached to the secondary hose(121) end which is opposing the primary hose(113) attachment end, and which is positioned in close proximity to the baby's body so as to more easily distribute the water over the baby's body.

It is to be understood that the secondary hoses(121) may be embodied as either flexible or rigid water distribution hoses of varying length, size, or style. The spray tips(114) may be attached in a variety of ways including by inserting a portion of the spray tip, such as a post end, into the secondary hose(121) end and thereby utilizing the pressure applied by the secondary hose(121) to secure the tip in place. In this embodiment, the pump device(112) can be simply placed into a container or vessel containing warm water to thereby supply the water to be distributed over the baby's body. This embodiment is portable and can be attached to any number or types of baby wash basins(111) or wash seats that may be placed in a bath tub or sink during use, which allows for the pump device(112) to be placed in the water collected in the tub or sink during use. 

1. A baby washing system comprising a wash basin, a water pass-through drain opening, a water pump device, a multitude of primary and secondary water distribution hoses, a multitude of hose fastening or retention clips and a multitude of spray pattern hose tip attachments.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the primary water distribution hoses are an integral part of the wash basin.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the primary water distribution hoses are attached to the wash basin as separate components.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the secondary hoses are flexible.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the secondary hoses are rigid.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water pump is disposed within a water pump enclosure.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water pump is placed directly in the water of the sink or bathtub.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water pump is operated by means of standard electrical power.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water pump is operated by means of battery power.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water pump and main water supply is disposed separately from the water in the main wash basin.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wash basin is a foldable seat device.
 12. A baby washing system comprising a water pump device, a multitude of primary and secondary water distribution hoses, a multitude of hose fastening or retention clips and a multitude of spray pattern hose tip attachments. 